Caught on Camera

Caught on Camera Photo

For unlucky prey, the last-second glimpse of an approaching jaguar might be the last glimpse, period.

In Guatemala, where this camera-trap photo was taken, WCS is leading a survey to learn more about the elusive jaguar. The study uses 50 stations of paired camera traps to cover a 500-square kilometer area of community-managed forest.

Activated by motion or heat differentials, camera traps “capture” pictures of secretive and elusive animals in the wild. Because each jaguar’s pattern of spots is unique, the photographs can be used to identify individuals and estimate abundance.